Haseeb Qureshi on Ten Rules for Negotiating

Haseeb Qureshi negotiated a $250k offer from Airbnb coming out of his Bootcamp. Let’s discuss his ten rules.

Get everything in writing#

Any information they provide you is helpful both when negotiating and when making your final decision.

Always keep the door open#

Never give up your negotiating power until you’re absolutely ready to make an informed, deliberate final decision. Protect your information!

Information is power#

This includes telling them what you used to make and telling them at what point you will sign. Given an offer, don’t ask for more money, equity, anything of the sort. Don’t comment on any specific details of the offer except to clarify them.

Always be positive#

Your excitement is one of your most valuable assets in a negotiation. The most convincing way to signal this is to reiterate that you love the mission, the team, or the problem they’re working on and really want to see things work out.

Don’t be the decision-maker#

By mentioning mentors/family, you’re no longer the only person the recruiter needs to win over. There’s no point in them trying to bully and intimidate you; the “true decision-maker” is beyond their reach.

Have alternatives#

If you’re already in the pipeline with other companies (which you should be if you’re doing it right), you should proactively reach out and let them know that you’ve just received an offer. Demand breeds demand. Reject exploding offers.

Proclaim reasons for everything#

Most people recoil from negotiating, except when they have to. Just stating a reason — any reason — makes your request feel human and important. It’s not you being greedy; it’s you trying to fulfill your goals. State a reason for everything, and you’ll find recruiters more willing to become your advocate. Emphasize your unique value alongside your ask. Good thing you wrote everything down!

Be motivated by more than just money#

How much training you get, what your first project will be, which team you join, or even who your mentor will be — these are all things you can and should negotiate.

Understand what they value#

Salary is the hardest for them to give. Stock/Signing Bonuses/Relocation/Training expenses are much easier. However, be careful not to let fictional stock valuations sway you!

Be winnable#

Give any company you’re talking to a clear path on how to win you. Don’t BS them or play stupid games. Be clear and unequivocal with your preferences and timeline.

Making the final decision#

Assert your deadline clearly and continually. Use your final decision as your trump card, and "If you can improve the salary by 10k a year, then I’ll be ready to sign” as the final move.